Morangaya
| Morangaya | |
|---|---|
| File:Morangaya pensilis.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Echinocereeae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Morangaya |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). A monotypic genus formerly classified under Echinocereus. |
Etymology
The name is a portmanteau honoring two famous cactus experts: Reid **Moran** and Myron **Kimnach** (whose middle name is **Gay**).
Description
Morangaya is a unique cactus with a decumbent or hanging (pendulous) growth habit, often found growing on cliffs.
- Stems: Slender, cylindrical, reaching up to 2 meters in length. They branch from the base and have about 8-10 low ribs.
- Spines: Numerous, short, and needle-like, usually yellowish or brownish.
- Flowers: Spectacular and large (up to 10 cm long). They are funnel-shaped and bright orange to reddish-orange. Unlike many Echinocereus, the flowers remain open for several days.
- Fruits: Globose, reddish, and covered with spines that fall off when the fruit is fully ripe.
- Seeds: Black and pitted.
Habitat
It grows exclusively in the mountains of the Cape Region of Baja California, often hanging from steep granite rocks or canyon walls in oak-pine forests.
Distribution
- Mexico: Endemic to the southern tip of Baja California Sur.
Species
Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015), the genus contains only one species:
- Morangaya pensilis (Type species)
Taxonomy
Although traditionally treated as a species of Echinocereus (as E. pensilis), Rowley established the genus Morangaya based on its unique growth habit and floral characteristics. Joël Lodé (2015) maintains this separation, supported by molecular data showing it as a sister lineage to the main Echinocereus group.
